WASHINGTON — U.S. regulators proposed new rules Wednesday that would require public companies to disclose the pay gap between chief executives and rank-and-file employees, a controversial requirement that thrusts executive compensation into the spotlight.

A divided Securities and Exchange Commission voted 3-to-2 to float a less onerous measure from what the SEC was ordered to adopt in the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial law, giving companies flexibility in how they calculate the ratio to cut back on its expected costs.

Labor unions and other supporters say requiring companies to publish the ratio will pressure corporate boards to slow pay increases for chief executives. Republican commissioners and other critics say it seemed designed to affect the behavior of company boards rather than to provide useful information to investors.

Luis Aguilar, a Democrat on the commission, said he hopes the disclosures will help company shareholders and directors counter a perceived tendency of overpaying chief executives.

More in Business

Boulder County 4-H officials prohibited a gun display as an addition to this year’s annual tack show Feb. 24 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds just hours before 15-year-old 4-H member Tegan Brown told leaders she would not attend the event if firearms were present.

McDonald’s Happy Meal is about to get a makeover. On Thursday, the fast-food chain announced new nutrition standards for its kids’ meals and a series of upcoming menu swaps designed to make options for children healthier.

It happens in so many workplaces — two colleagues begin a romantic relationship. But a heightened awareness about sexual harassment means small business owners can get more anxious when employees start dating.